5 Ways to ease into fasting

5 Ways to Ease into Fasting
There is a lot of information out there about intermittent fasting and the benefits as well as the side effects. There is no argument that fasting can reverse type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and has many other advantages but fasting can seem like a huge undertaking if you have been under the AMA guidelines of eating 6 times a day to keep your blood glucose level.  The thought of missing a meal can create concern and if, like me, you are hypoglycemic (which is a step closer to hyperglycemia) it can create feelings of panic. There is hope and fasting doesn’t have to be the scary monster it’s made out to be.

1. Start with small goals. It really sounds great to just dive in and fast for a week until you’re in the middle of your first day, feeling miserable and shaky.  Start small. Start eating an hour later than you would normally have breakfast or stop eating at 6 pm after dinner. Give yourself little victories and practice fasting.  Dr. Jason Fung is a nephrologist and where I first learned about fasting to reverse type 2 diabetes, and he says that you have to strengthen your fasting muscle.  I totally agree. It really takes practice and soon you’ll be forgetting that you haven’t eaten all day!
2. Remember your salt. Salt is a vital mineral that your body needs. If you are practicing your fasting and you start feeling sluggish, hungry, or irritable try a pinch of Celtic Sea salt. It’s amazing how just a pinch of salt can make or break a fast.
3. Keep busy. Be sure to find something to do while you fast otherwise it will be harder to get your mind off of food. Clean the house, finish a project, paint a room, etc. Just find something to keep you distracted.
4. Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water and if you aren’t too worried about having a “clean” fast then have tea, coffee or add some essential oils such as peppermint or Slim and Sassy to your water to help ease the hunger pains. 
5. If you feel miserable, break your fast. Hunger pains come and go but if they come and stay or you just feel awful, break your fast immediately.  Fasting is not torture; it’s about gaining control of your health.

Remember that gaining health is a marathon so take it slowly and make good habits that move towards a healthier you!
 
Note: Please consult your doctor before starting a fasting protocol.